Panel support structure, display panel supported by panel support structure, and image forming appparatus using display panel

ABSTRACT

A panel support structure for supporting a flat display panel capable of reducing the weight of the panel support structure while a sufficient structural strength is maintained and capable of preventing the display performance of the flat display panel from being lowered by a change in an ambient temperature. A flat display panel is fixedly supported by an X-character shaped supporting member via dampers fitted in the four corners of the flat display panel by the flat panel fixing parts of the supporting member. The supporting member is disposed along diagonal lines extending between the four corners of the flat display panel and has a rectangular cross section whose longer side is directed in the thickness direction of the flat display panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a reinforced support structurefor supporting a display panel, a panel display device supported by thesupport structure and having a supporting member, and an image formingapparatus using the panel display device.

[0003] 2. Related Background Art

[0004] A flat plane image forming apparatus has been used for the imagedisplay on televisions and computers, advertisement media, sign boardsand the like. Flat plane image forming apparatuses include those imageforming apparatuses using a display panel using electron emittingelements, a display panel using plasma discharge, a display panel usingliquid crystal, and the like. A wall hanging type, a wall embedded type,a desktop type, a floor type and the like are known as display panelmount types.

[0005] An example of a conventional mount structure for an image formingapparatus with a display panel using plasma discharge is shown in FIG.6. The main components of this structure are constituted of: a frontcover (bezel) 81 for protecting a display panel 82 using plasmadischarge; a flexible flat cable 83 for transferring electrical signalsto the display panel; a chassis 84 for supporting the display panel, thechassis being made of iron-based material and formed through sheet platework; mount members 85 for mounting the front cover 81, the mountmembers being formed at the peripheral area of the chassis; screwthreading members 86 for fixing an electronic component mounting board87, the screw threading members being formed through cutting and bendingthe chassis 84 and the electronic component mounting board 87 being usedfor processing externally input electrical signals and supplying them tothe display panel; a rear cover 89 having a reinforcing plate 88 formounting the image forming apparatus on an external wall hanger ordesktop stand (not shown); and a cable 90 for electrical connection ofthe electronic component mounting board 87 to an external power sourceand tuner (not shown).

[0006]FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view showing a partial areaof the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, a pitinserting screw 85-a and a boss 85-b of the front cover 81 into whichthe screw is inserted, are illustrated.

[0007] The detailed descriptions of the function and aspects of thismount structure will be further given. The display panel 82 is made oftwo glass substrates adhered together with a space being providedtherebetween. This space is filled with specific rare gas and thereafterhermetically sealed. The inner surfaces of the opposing two glasssubstrates are formed with an electrode film, an insulating film, afluorescent film, and a shielding film. Electrical signals supplied fromthe electronic component mounting board 87 via the flexible flat cable83 are applied to the electrode film (X, Y matrix patterns) to drive apixel element. As a predetermined voltage is applied to the pixelelement, rare gas near the pixel element emits ultraviolet rays whichexcite the fluorescent film to emit light. Each pixel of the fluorescentfilm is divided into red, green and blue areas in chromaticity tothereby realize a color image.

[0008] The chassis 84 is used for supporting the display panel 82 in thehousing of the image processing apparatus, the chassis 84 and displaypanel 82 being fixed together by using a both-side adhesive tape (notshown). The material of the chassis 84 is made of a rigid metal plate(such as a galvanized steel sheet) in order to reliably support thedisplay panel 82. The mount members 85 with a small through hole areprovided at the peripheral area of the chassis 84 in order to mount thefront cover 81 by using the screws 85-a threaded into the bosses 85-b ofthe front cover 81. On the back side of the chassis 84, the screwthreading members 86 with a screw hole 86 are provided in order to mountthe electronic component mounting board 87 by using screws.

[0009] On the inner side of the rear cover 89, the reinforcing plate 88is fixed in order to mount the image forming apparatus on an externalwall hanger or desktop stand by using screws which are threaded into thereinforcing plate 88.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention provides a novel panel support structure.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a panel supportstructure for supporting a panel for displaying an image is provided,which comprises a holding member for holding the panel which astride anedge of the panel.

[0012] With this structure, the panel is supported at peripheral twocontrary surfaces thereof. Therefore, even if there is a size error orchange between the panel and the support structure, it is still possibleto support the panel. For example, the panel can be supported even ifexpansion or contraction by a temperature change (an ambient temperaturechange or a temperature change caused by a heat generation change of thepanel) affects the size error or change. In this case, a substantialoverlap amount between the holding member and the two contrary surfacesof the panel is determined under consideration of the degrees of thermalexpansions of the panel and the panel support structure. The substantialoverlap amount is, for example, an overlap amount between a damper andthe surface of the panel, if the panel support structure holds the panelby using the holding member, with the damper to be described later beinginterposed therebetween.

[0013] The holding member may be provided at the four corners of thepanel. A deflection of the panel can be suppressed more reliably if aholding portion is provided not only at the corner of the panel but alsoat the whole side of the panel or at a plurality of positions of thepanel. It is not necessary to provide the holding portion at all thefour sides. It is however preferable to provide the holding portion atleast at the opposing two sides of the panel.

[0014] With this structure, a plurality of holding members may beprovided to support the panel at a plurality of positions and to couplethe holding members to a supporting member. The holding member and thesupporting member may be formed integrally or separately.

[0015] The holding member may be provided with a damper at a positionwhere the panel becomes or possibly becomes in contact with the holdingmember. The damper may be made of rubber. The rubber hardness ispreferably 50 (JIS-A) or higher.

[0016] It is preferable to use as the material of the supporting membera material other than glass, such as metal.

[0017] If the supporting member is made of a rod-like member, the weightthereof can be reduced. Wherein, rod-like member includes an elongatedplate member. The supporting member may be a combination of a rod-likemembers and a plate member. It is preferable that a length of therod-like member along a longitudinal direction is longer than a lengthof a longer side of the panel. A plurality of rod-like members may beused. The rod-like members may be crossed each other. For example, therod-like members are disposed in an X-character shape. If the rod-likemembers are crossed each other, it is preferable that they are fixed atthe cross points. The supporting member with the cross points may beformed integrally or separately. The rod-like member has a rectangularor circular cross section. It is preferable that a length of the crosssection of the rod-like member along a thickness direction of the panelis longer than a length of the cross section along a direction parallelto a surface of the panel. While it may be reversed, when the supportingstructure is to be thinner. It is also preferable (in the earlier case)that a length of the cross section of the rod-like member along athickness direction of the panel is {fraction (1/80)} or longer than adiagonal line of the panel.

[0018] The thermal conduction of the panel differs at respectivepositions where it is in contact with the supporting member or not incontact. If a difference of the thermal conductivity may pose somepractical problem, it is preferable that the supporting member is madein contact with the panel only at a portion of the supporting member ornot in contact with the panel. A heat insulating member or a protectivebuffer may be inserted between the panel and the supporting member.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a panelsupport structure for supporting a panel for displaying an image isprovided which comprises a supporting member having a rod-like membermade of a material different from a material of the panel, wherein alength of the rod-like member along a longitudinal direction is longerthan a length of a longer side of the panel.

[0020] This panel support structure may take various configurationssimilar to the holding member. As described earlier, the panel may besupported at its corner or at its side.

[0021] As the material of the supporting member, metal may be used ifthe panel is made of glass. A plurality of rod-like members may be used.The rod-like members may be crossed each other. For example, therod-like members are disposed in an X-character shape. If the rod-likemembers are crossed each other, it is preferable that they are fixed atthe cross points. The supporting member with the cross points may beformed integrally or separately. The rod-like member has a rectangularor circular cross section. In this case, it is preferable that a lengthof the cross section of the rod-like member along a thickness directionof the panel is longer than a length of the cross section along adirection parallel to a surface of the panel. It may be reversed, whensupporting structure is to be thinner. It is also preferable (in theearlier case) that a length of the cross section of the rod-like memberalong a thickness direction of the panel is {fraction (1/80)} or longerthan a diagonal line of the panel (particularly when the rod-likemembers are disposed along diagonal lines of the panel).

[0022] The thermal conduction of the panel differs at respectivepositions where it is in contact with the supporting member or not incontact. If a difference of the thermal conductivity may pose somepractical problem, it is preferable that the supporting member is madein contact with the panel only at a portion of the supporting member ornot in contact with the panel. A heat insulating member or a protectivebuffer may be inserted between the panel and the supporting member.

[0023] The panel support structure according to each of the aspects ofthe present invention may have the following configurations.

[0024] The panel support structure may be used as an electrical ground.For example, the panel support structure may have a mount portion formounting a cover which accommodates at least a portion of a paneldisplay device including the panel and the panel support structure. Inthis case, if the inner surface of the cover is made conductive bycoating a conductive film on the inner surface through plating orpainting, the cover and the panel support structure may be electricallyconnected at the mount portion to ground the cover.

[0025] The panel support structure may be partially provided with amount portion for mounting a circuit board for controlling or drivingthe panel. A ground level wiring line (pattern) of the circuit board maybe connected to the panel support structure via the mount portion.

[0026] If the panel support structure and the cover are made in contactwith each other on flat surfaces, the reliability of the electricalconnection can be improved. As a means for mechanically coupling thepanel support structure to the cover, screws may be used. Similarly, ifthe panel support structure and the circuit board are made in contactwith each other on flat surfaces, the reliability of the electricalconnection can be improved. Also, as a means for mechanically couplingthe panel support structure and the cover, screws may be used.

[0027] An installing member such as a desktop stand or wall hanger issometimes used for installing a panel display device including the paneland panel support structure. In this case, it is preferable that thepanel support structure has a mount portion for mounting the installingmember. If the mount portion is provided near at an end of the paneldisplay device, the panel device can be installed more stably. If themount portion is provided near at a center of the panel or the center ofgravity of the panel, it becomes easy to adjust the direction and angleof the panel display device and the display screen becomes hard to befluctuated by external vibrations.

[0028] The invention also includes the following configurations.

[0029] A panel support structure for supporting a panel for displayingan image which comprises a mount portion for mounting an installingmember for installing a panel device including the panel and the panelsupport structure.

[0030] A panel support structure for supporting a panel for displayingan image wherein at least a portion of the panel support structure isconductive and electrically grounded.

[0031] The invention also includes a panel display having the panel andthe panel support structure described above.

[0032] The invention also includes an image forming apparatus using thepanel display device.

[0033] The present invention can solve at least some of the followingproblems which the panel support structure shown in FIG. 6 cannot solve.

[0034] 1. The chassis 84 for supporting the display panel 82 in thehousing of the flat plane type image forming apparatus is generally madeof an iron-based plate formed through sheet plate work. Therefore, theweight of the image forming apparatus increases and transportationthereof becomes difficult, or it becomes necessary to reinforce a wallitself on which the wall hanger is mounted.

[0035] 2. Since the materials of the display panel 82 and chassis 84 aredifferent, a difference between the sizes of these two devices becomeslarge as an ambient temperature changes so that the display panel 82 maybe deformed and the display performance thereof may be degraded.

[0036] 3. In order to suppress electromagnetic radiation noises to begenerated from the display panel 82 and electronic component mountingboard 87, it is necessary to form a conductive film on the surfaces ofthe front cover 81 and rear cover 89 and electrically ground theconductive films. In this context, however, when the pit inserting screw85-a is heated and inserted into the boss 85-b of the front cover 81,resin of the material of the front cover is melted and the flat surfaceof the boss 85-b is formed with a swelled resin region whichunstabilizes the surface contact with the screw mounting member of thechassis 85. Therefore, leakage of electromagnetic radiation noises mayoccur.

[0037] 4. Under the condition that the flat plane image formingapparatus is mounted on the external wall hanger or desktop stand, thereinforcing plate 88 supports the heavy display panel 82 and chassis 84via the rear and front covers. Therefore, when a user wants to changethe direction of the display screen, it is not easy to fix the directionbecause of this mount structure or because the display screen mayfluctuate when there is a vibration even if it is small.

[0038] 5. Heat generated by the display panel 82 directly transmits tothe chassis 84 and thermally affects the electronic component mountingboard 87, or conversely, heat generated by the electronic componentmounting board 87 thermally affects the display panel 82 via the chassis84. Therefore, the display performance of the display panel 82 may bedeteriorated or the electrical characteristics of the electroniccomponent mounting board 87 may be affected.

[0039] 6. Since the power source and tuner are not built in the flatplane type image forming apparatus mounted on the wall, another mountspace for the power source and tuner is required and the cable 90 isrequired to be connected to the power source and tuner. Therefore, themount site of the flat plane type image forming apparatus is limited toparticular areas.

[0040] 7. Since the both-side adhesive tape is used for adhering thedisplay panel 82 and chassis 84, materials of the apparatus aredifficult to be separated when the apparatus is dumped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041]FIG. 1 is a broken perspective view of an image forming apparatusaccording to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0042]FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged views of corners of an X-charactershaped supporting member of the first embodiment.

[0043]FIG. 3 is a broken perspective view of an image forming apparatusaccording to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0044]FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view showing partof a fixing member at the central side of a flat panel of the secondembodiment.

[0045]FIG. 5 is a broken perspective view of an image forming apparatusaccording to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0046]FIG. 6 is a broken perspective view of a conventional imageforming apparatus.

[0047]FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view showing a partial areaof the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6.

[0048]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a flat plane image formingapparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The invention will further be detailed in connection with thepreferred embodiments.

[0050] [First Embodiment]

[0051]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a flatplane type image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment ofthe invention. In this embodiment, a flat panel is supported by anX-character shaped supporting member 1. The main components of thisstructure are constituted of: the X-character shaped supporting member 1made of a rigid material; a flat panel fixing part 2 provided at eachend of the supporting member 1; a cover fixing part 3 provided at eachof the supporting member 1; threaded mount members 4 formed on thesupporting member 1 for mounting an electronic component mounting board8; a screw mounting member 5 formed on the supporting member 1 formounting the supporting member on a reinforcing plate 9; a flat panel 6made of a pair of glass substrates coupled together and having itselectric wiring connection; a flexible flat cable 7 for supplyingelectric signals and voltages for image display; the electroniccomponent mounting board 8 for processing external signals and supplyingthe processed signals to the flat panel; the reinforcing plate 9 formounting the image forming apparatus on a wall hanger or desktop stand(not shown); a rear cover 10 with heat dissipating holes, the rear coverbeing used for the apparatus protection and decoration; a front cover 11with an opening having an area corresponding to the display screen, thefront cover being used for the apparatus protection and decoration; andan input cable 12 for the electrical connection of the electroniccomponent mounting board 8 to an external power source and tuner (notshown). Wherein, edges of the mount member 2, the buffer member 13 andthe supporting member 1 operate as astride holding member portion overthe panel edge.

[0052]FIG. 2A is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view of the cornerof the X-character shaped supporting member, and FIG. 2B is a plan viewof the corner as viewed from the back side of the image formingapparatus. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, like elements to those shown in FIG. 1are represented by using identical reference numerals. As shown in FIG.2A, a buffer member 13 is provided near each corner of the flat panel 6and fitted in the inner area of the flat panel fixing part 2. As shownin FIG. 2B, small screws 14 fix the cover fixing part 3 to theX-character shaped supporting member 1, and small screws 15 fix the rearcover 10 to the cover fixing part 3.

[0053] The detailed descriptions of the function and aspects of thismount structure will be further given. The X-character shaped supportingmember 1 has two bars extending along diagonal lines of the flat panel 6and crossing at the center thereof. The four corners of the X-charactershaped supporting member 1 mechanically fix the flat panel 6. The fourcorners of the rear cover 10 are also mechanically fixed to theX-character shaped supporting member 1. Therefore, irrespective of arelatively small weight of the X-character shaped supporting member 1,the supporting member 1 provides a sufficient strength against anexternal load along the X- and Y-directions.

[0054] The cross section of each of the two bars of the X-charactershaped supporting member 1 is a rectangle whose longer side extendsalong the Z-direction shown in FIG. 1. The longer side length e shown inFIG. 2A is designed to satisfy the following formula:

e≧diagonal line length of flat panel 6×{fraction (1/80)}

[0055] With this formula, irrespective of a relatively small weight ofthe X-character shaped supporting member 1, the supporting member 1 canprovide a sufficient strength against an external load along theZ-direction. In this embodiment, in order to reduce the weight of theapparatus, aluminum is used as the material of the X-character shapedsupporting member 1. If the apparatus is to be thinned, iron orstainless steel may be used to shorten the longer side length e. Themechanical strength becomes sufficient if the longer side length esatisfies the above formula. However, if the longer side length becomestoo large, the apparatus becomes thick. Therefore, the length isgenerally set in the range satisfying the following formula:

e≦diagonal line length of flat panel 6×{fraction (1/20)}

[0056] The threaded mount members 4 of the X-character shaped supportingmember 1 for mounting the electronic component mounting board 8 areprovided with a relatively broad flat surface in contact with the board8 and internal threads are formed in this flat surface, so that theboard 8 can be reliably fixed with commercially available small screws.The board 8 is mounted on the X-character shaped supporting member 1 sothat a ground wiring pattern (not shown) of the board 8 can be made incontact with the X-character shaped supporting member 1, to therebyallowing the supporting member 1 to be used as the ground line. The rearcover 10 is fixed to the X-character shaped supporting member 1 atrespective four corners by small screws 15, so that the rear cover withan electromagnetic shield (to be described later) can also be connectedto the ground line.

[0057] The reinforcing plate 9 is fixedly mounted on the X-charactershaped supporting member 1 by the mounting member 5 with small screws,so that the reinforcing plate 9 can also be connected to the groundline. The wall hanger or desktop stand for mounting the apparatus havingthe flat display panel can also be used as the ground line.

[0058] As shown in the cross sectional view of FIG. 2A, the flat panelfixing part 2 has an L-character structure engaging with the frontcorner surface of the flat panel. In this embodiment, the buffer 13 isfitted in between this L-character shaped structure and the end of theX-character shaped supporting member 1. The buffer 13 has a right angleshape at each corner of the flat panel as viewed from the front or backsurface side, and its cross section is a channel shape covering andengaging with the corner of the flat panel as shown in FIG. 2A. Thebuffer 13 together with the flat panel 6 can be dismounted from theX-character shaped supporting member 1 by using the small screws asshown in FIG. 2B.

[0059] The size of the damper is designed so that the following formulasare satisfied with respect to the depth f (depth f₁ in the horizontaldirection and depth f₂ in the vertical direction) of a groove of thebuffer 13 engaging with the corner of the flat panel as shown in FIG. 2Aand the depths c (in the horizontal direction) and d (in the verticaldirection) of the buffer deeper than the depth of the groove.

[0060] (coefficient of thermal expansion of flat panel 6−coefficient ofthermal expansion of X-character shaped supporting member1)×40[deg]×horizontal length [mm] of flat panel 6×½<f₁ and c, and

[0061] (coefficient of thermal expansion of flat panel 6−coefficient ofthermal expansion of X-character shaped supporting member1)×40[deg]×horizontal length [mm] of flat panel 6×½<f₁ and c

[0062] If the buffer is designed to satisfy the above formulas, the flatpanel 6 can be supported reliably under an allowable temperature changeduring apparatus transportation and actual use.

[0063] In order to electrically insulate the flat panel 6 from theX-character shaped supporting member 1, the material of the buffer ispreferably a good insulator such as various synthetic rubber ofsilicon-based, urethane-based, or the like. A rubber rigidity is to bedetermined from the weight of the flat panel 6, and is preferably set to50 degrees or higher with a life time change being taken intoconsideration. If the rubber is too rigid, a stress may be applied tothe flat panel 6 so that the rubber rigidity is generally set to 80degrees or lower.

[0064] The cover fixing part 3 is formed so that a broad flat surfacethereof can become in contact with the rear cover which is fixed to theX-character shaped supporting member 1 with screws 14 as describedearlier, and with screws 15. Even if the aluminum plate is used, asufficient strength can be achieved by the shapes shown in FIGS. 2A and2B of the flat panel fixing part and cover fixing part formed throughdrawing and bending works.

[0065] A flat panel usable by the invention is not particularly limitedso long as it is thin. It is preferable to use a flat panel having athickness of 1.5 cm or thinner, or more preferably 1 cm or thinner. Aflat panel of a self-light-emission type is particularly preferable. Forexample, flat plane type image forming apparatuses using surfaceconduction electron emitter, plasma discharge elements, or organic thinfilm EL elements are preferable.

[0066] The invention is particularly suitable for fixing a large sizeflat panel, such as flat panels of 30 to 60 inches.

[0067] In this embodiment, a flat plane type image forming apparatuswith the flat panel 6 using surface conduction electron emitter is used.

[0068] The flat plane type image forming apparatus using surfaceconduction electron emitter has a structure that a front glass substrateand a rear glass substrate are adhered together via spacers, with aspace therebetween being maintained vacuum. The inner surface of thefront glass substrate is formed with fluorescent films for displaying animage through light emission and black stripe films for improving acontrast of the image. A metal back film is formed on the fluorescentand black stripe films. The outer surface of the front glass substrateis coated with a lamination of resin films stacked together withadhesive for preventing broken glass from being scattered, and aconductive film for preventing charges from being accumulated and a lowreflection film for improving the contrast, respectively formed on thelamination film. The inner surface of the rear glass substrate is formedwith electron emitting elements in an area corresponding to thefluorescent films on the front glass substrate.

[0069] The electron emitting element is formed in the following manner.On a glass substrate, positive and negative electrodes to be used forelectron emission are first formed facing each other spaced apart byseveral tens μm. Next, an X-direction wiring line is formed throughprinting, for supplying an electrical signal from the outside of theflat panel to the positive electrode, and thereafter an interlayerinsulating film for electrically insulating the X-direction wiring linefrom a Y-direction wiring line to be described later, is formed on crosspoint areas between the X- and Y-direction wiring lines. Thereafter, theY-direction wiring line is formed through printing, for supplying anelectrical signal from the outside of the flat panel to the negativeelectrode. A conductive thin film made of fine particles is then formedfor coupling the positive and negative electrodes. An electron emittingarea is formed partially in the conductive thin film by applying aproper potential across the positive and negative electrodes.

[0070] In operation of an electron emitting element, a voltage of +several volts is applied across the X- and Y-direction wiring lines ofthe flat panel 6 selected externally, to thereby emit electrons from theelectron emitting element. The electrons are accelerated by a positivepotential of several kV applied to the metal back film on the innersurface of the front glass substrate and collide with the fluorescentfilm to emit light.

[0071] One ends of the flexible flat cable 7 are connected viaanisotropic conductive films to the X- and Y-direction wiring layers atthe outer peripheral area of the flat panel, and the other ends thereofare connected via a connector to the electronic component mounting board8. A ferrite core (not shown) for suppressing electromagnetic radiationnoises is provided surrounding the intermediate portion of the flexibleflat cable 7.

[0072] The electronic component mounting board 8 processes externalsignals and outputs signals for driving the flat panel. For example, itseparates a sync signal from signals supplied from the tuner, outputs amodulation signal by using a shift register and a line memory, andoutputs a scan signal by using a controller. These signals are suppliedvia the flexible flat cable 7 to the X- and Y-direction wiring lines todrive electron emitting elements of the flat panel 6 and display animage.

[0073] A projection of the reinforcing plate 9 passes through an openingin the electronic component mounting board 8 and is fixedly mounteddirectly on the mounting member 5 of the panel supporting member 1 withscrews (not shown). Screws (not shown) are provided on the back side ofthe reinforcing plate 9, protruding to the outside of the housing of theapparatus in order to fix the apparatus to a desktop stand or wallhanger (not shown). The image forming apparatus fixed to the stand orhanger is tilted right and left or up and down in during its use.However, the X-character shaped supporting member 1 has a shape havingtwo bars crossed along the diagonal lines of the flat panel, and thereinforcing plate 9 is positioned generally at the center of gravity ofthe apparatus. Therefore, the position of the apparatus becomes stablein any use conditions of the apparatus.

[0074] The front and rear covers 11 and 10 may be made of mold resinsuch as polycarbonate. The whole inner surfaces of the front and rearcovers 11 and 10 are generally plated with metal (such as copper andnickel) in order to suppress electromagnetic radiation noises. Insteadof metal plating, conductive paint containing copper or nickel particlesmay be coated.

[0075] The input cable 12 is electrically connected to an external tunerand power source (not shown) to receive external signals, the inputcable 12 being passed through the wall of the rear cover 10. A ferritecore (not shown) for suppressing electromagnetic radiation noises isprovided surrounding the signal lines of the tuner. Each line of thepower source is made resistant to a high voltage.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the X-character shaped supporting member1 supports all the components of the image forming apparatus, so thatthe mechanical strength of the apparatus can be improved and the weightof the apparatus can be reduced considerably because of incorporation ofthe X-character shaped supporting member 1. The X-character shapedsupporting member 1 can deal with the expansion and contraction of theflat panel 6 to be caused by a change in the ambient temperature, sothat the reliability of the apparatus can be improved. Since the frontand rear covers and the like can be grounded via the X-character shapedsupporting member 1, the electromagnetic shield effects are excellent.Furthermore, since the apparatus can be fixed to the desktop stand orwall hanger near at the position where the center of gravity of theapparatus is present, stability and handling of the apparatus can beimproved.

[0077] When the apparatus is dumped, by dismounting all screws, thecomponents can be easily dismounted, including resin covers and boardand the like, glass flat panel, and metal supporting member.

[0078] [Second Embodiment]

[0079]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a flatplane type image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment ofthe invention. In FIG. 3, like elements to those of the first embodimentare represented by using identical reference numerals. In the secondembodiment, a flat panel is supported by an X-character shapedsupporting member and a thin plate. Specifically, a flat panelsupporting member 1 is constituted of a thin plate and an X-characterrib (X-character shaped supporting member) integrated with the thinplate through welding or screws. A flat panel fixing part 52 for fixingeach corner of the flat panel 4 is provided at each corner of the flatpanel supporting member, and a cover fixing part 53 is also provided ateach corner of the flat panel supporting member. Fixing members 54 forfixing the central area of fours sides of the flat panel 4 are furtherprovided. The thin plate is formed with a threaded mount area 55 withthreaded holes for mounting the reinforcing plate 9 and with anotherthreaded mount area with threaded holes 56.

[0080]FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view showing thefixing member 54 at each side of the flat panel 4. A buffer member 57 isheld by the fixing member 54 which is fixed to the flat panel supportingmember 51 with a small screw 58. A heat insulating sheet 59 is providedin a space between the flat panel 6 and the thin plate of the flat panelsupporting member 51, the positioning of the heat insulating sheet 59being realized by a cut-bend work of the thin plate of the flat panelsupporting member 51.

[0081] The detailed descriptions of the function and aspects of thismount structure will be further given. The components without particulardescription in the following have the same structure as the firstembodiment.

[0082] The rib of the flat panel supporting member 51 is fixed to thethin plate along diagonal lines of the flat panel 6 and crossing near atthe center thereof. Similar to the first embodiment, the flat panel 6 isfixed via the dampers to the flat panel fixing parts 52 with smallscrews at the four corners of the flat panel supporting member 51.Similarly, the rear cover 10 is fixed to the rear cover fixing part 53with small screws at the four corners of the flat panel supportingmember 51. With this structure, similar to the first embodiment,irrespective of a relatively small weight of the flat panel supportingmember 51, the supporting member 51 provides a sufficient strengthagainst an external load along the X- and Y-directions.

[0083] The cross section of each of the two bars of the rib of the flatpanel supporting member 51 is a rectangular whose longer side length eis designed to satisfy the following formula:

e≧diagonal line length of flat panel 6×{fraction (1/160)}

[0084] With this formula, irrespective of a relatively small weight ofthe flat panel supporting member 51, the supporting member 51 canprovide a sufficient strength against an external load along theZ-direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, in order to reduce the weight of theapparatus, aluminum is used as the material of the flat panel supportingmember 51. If the apparatus is to be thinned, iron or stainless steelmay be used to shorten the longer side length e. The mechanical strengthbecomes sufficient if the longer side length e satisfies the aboveformula.

[0086] In this embodiment, the four sides of the flat panel 6 is fixedto the fixing parts 54. This structure suppresses a deflection of theglass substrates of a flat display panel such as a large flat displaypanel having a diagonal length of 30 inches or longer and a light weightflat display panel having thin glass substrates. Although the glasssubstrate has a thickness of 2.8 mm in this embodiment, a glasssubstrate having a thickness of 2 mm or thinner may also be used withoutgenerating any deflection.

[0087] Also in this embodiment, since the thin film of the flat panelsupporting member 51 is disposed facing the flat panel 6, a spacetherebetween can be used for inserting the heat insulating sheet 59 forintercepting thermal conduction therethrough or a protective buffersheet (not shown) for protecting the flat panel.

[0088] This embodiment with the flat panel supporting member 51 havingthe integral structure of the X-character shaped rib and thin plate, isapplicable also to the case where a large flat panel is used or theweight of the apparatus is reduced.

[0089] It is also possible to use the heat insulating sheet forsuppressing interference between heat generated by the flat panel andheat generated by the electronic component mounting board 8 or to use aprotective buffer sheet for protecting the flat panel. Accordingly, thedisplay performance of the apparatus can be improved and the useenvironmental conditions can be alleviated.

[0090] Furthermore, since the flat plate of the flat panel supportingmember at the electrically ground potential is disposed between the flatpanel 6 and electronic component mounting board 8, the effects ofpreventing radiative noises can be improved. Accordingly, metal plating(electromagnetic shielding) on the inner surface of the rear cover isnot necessary and the manufacture cost can be reduced considerably.

[0091] [Third Embodiment]

[0092]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a flatplane type image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment ofthe invention. In FIG. 5, like elements to those of the first embodimentare represented by using identical reference numerals. In the thirdembodiment, a signal source unit is accommodated in the housing of theapparatus, and an X-character shaped supporting member supports the flatpanel and the signal source unit. The X-character shaped supportingmember 31 is made of a rigid material and has flat panel fixing parts 32at the four corners of the supporting member. Signal source unit fixingparts 43 for fixing the signal source unit (to be described later) arealso provided at the two corners lower than the two flat panel fixingparts 32. A cover fixing part 33 is also provided at the furthest fourcorners of the X-character shaped supporting member 31. The signalsource unit 42 has the electronic component mounting board 8 mountedthereon. The signal source unit 42 supplies an electric power andsignals to the board 8 and has a built-in tuner, an input unit forreceiving an AC power and signals, and an output unit for supplying a DCpower and signals. The lower space of the rear cover 40 is used foraccommodating the signal source unit 42. The front cover 41 is providedwith an opening corresponding to the display screen and with a circuitboard (not shown) for adjusting a displayed image quality.

[0093] The detailed descriptions of the function and aspects of thismount structure will be further given. The components without particulardescription in the following have the same structure as the firstembodiment.

[0094] Two bars of the X-character shaped supporting member 31 aredisposed along diagonal lines extending between the upper two corners ofthe flat panel 6 and the lower two fixing parts for the signal sourceunit, and crossing near at the central height position of the flat panel6 and signal source unit 42 disposed up and down. Therefore, similar tothe first embodiment, the flat panel 6 is fixed via the dampers to thefour fixing parts 32 at the four corners with small screws. Similarly,the rear cover 40 is fixed to the fixing parts 33 with small screws atthe four corners. The signal source unit fixing members 43 at the lowertwo corners of the X-character shaped supporting member 31 mechanicallyfix the signal source unit 42. With this structure, irrespective of arelatively small weight of the X-character shaped supporting member 31,the supporting member 31 provides a sufficient strength against anexternal load along the X- and Y-directions.

[0095] The material of the X-character shaped supporting member 31 andthe cross section of each of the two bars are the same as those of thefirst embodiment, and the electrical connection to and from peripheralcomponents are also the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 5, the signal source unit 42 is positioned lowerin the apparatus. Since the signal source unit 42 having a large amountof heat generation is placed lower, the internal temperature of theapparatus can be made uniform by air convection. The signal source unit42 has a sufficient mechanical strength by itself, which has a signalsource board and a tuner board electrically separated by an insulatingmaterial and housed in a metal case.

[0097] In this embodiment, the signal source unit 42 is assembled in theimage forming apparatus so that the space of the apparatus can be usedefficiently. Furthermore, since the X-character supporting member 31supports all components of the apparatus, the mechanical strength of theapparatus can be improved and the weight of the apparatus can be reducedconsiderably because of incorporation of the X-character shapedsupporting member 31. Furthermore, since the apparatus can be fixed tothe desktop stand or wall hanger near at the position where the centerof gravity of the apparatus is present, stability and handling of theapparatus can be improved.

[0098] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0099]FIG. 8 is a plan view showing, in the form easiest to understand,the structure of a flat plane type image forming apparatus according tothe fourth embodiment of the invention, as viewed from the back side ofthe display panel. The description of portions common to the firstembodiment is omitted. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 91 represents a flatpanel supporting member made of a rigid material and having twoX-character ribs disposed vertically. Reference numeral 92 represents aflat panel fixing part 94 formed at each corner of the flat panelsupporting member 91, and reference numeral 93 represents an electroniccomponent mounting board. Six such boards having different sizes aremounted on the flat panel supporting member 91. Reference numeral 94represents a flat panel, and reference numeral 95 represents a threadedmount member provided at the right and left sides of the flat panelsupporting member 91, the threaded mount member mounting a reinforcingplate (not shown). Reference numeral 96 represents a screw for fixingeach electronic component mounting board 93 directly to the flat panelsupporting member 91.

[0100] The function and aspect of each component of this mount structurewill be described sequentially.

[0101] The flat panel supporting member 91 has four rods disposed alongdiagonal lines extending between the four corners of the flat panel 94and two central points of the two short sides. The flat panel supportingmember 91 has a shape of a combination of a rhomboid and triangles. Thelength of each rod is longer than the length of the longer side of theflat panel.

[0102] The flat panel 94 is fixed at its four corners with screws.Therefore, irrespective of a relatively small weight of the flat panelsupporting member 91, the supporting member 91 provides a sufficientstrength against an external load along the X- and Y-directions. Thematerial of the flat panel supporting member 91 and the cross section ofeach of the four bars are the same as those of the first embodiment, anda sufficient strength against an external load along the Y-direction canbe provided. The material of the flat panel supporting member 91 may bea material having a lower rigidity to reduce the weight of theapparatus, such as resin mold. Even with such a material, the mechanicalstrength of the flat panel supporting member 91 is sufficient because ofits specific structure. In this embodiment, six electronic componentmounting boards 93 divisionally disposed as shown in FIG. 8 are reliablyfixed to the flat panel supporting member 91 with fixing screws 96.Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, if the ground wiring line ofeach electronic component mounting board 93 is connected to the contactarea of the fixing screw 96, electrical connection with peripheralcomponents can be retained.

[0103] The mount member 95 for the reinforcing plate is disposed at theright and left sides of the flat panel supporting member 91 at theheight generally flush with the center line of the flat panel.Therefore, if the apparatus is fixed to the desktop stand or wallhanger, the center of gravity of the flat panel can be supporteduniformly.

[0104] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible tofix a number of electronic component mounting boards directly to a panelsupporting member, so that reliability of the electrical connection canbe improved and electromagnetic radiation noises from the flat panel andelectronic component mounting boards can be reliably shielded. Further,since the flat panel supporting member supports all components of animage forming apparatus, the mechanical strength of the whole of theapparatus can be enhanced and the weight of the apparatus can be reducedconsiderably because of the specific structure of the supporting member.Still further, since the apparatus can be fixed directly to the desktopstand or wall hanger by utilizing the flat panel supporting member, bothstability and handling of the apparatus can be improved.

[0105] The invention has been described with reference to theembodiments. The invention is not limited only to the above embodiments,but is applicable to various other fields. For example, in the secondembodiment, the supporting member constituted of the rib and thin platehas the fixing parts at the four corners of the rib, and the mountmembers of the thin plate fix the central areas of respective sides ofthe flat panel. Instead, a plurality of mount members may be providedfor each opposing side of the flat panel and fixed only to a rib withoutusing plate member.

[0106] As described so far, since the flat panel is holded at itscontrary surfaces by the panel supporting member, a deflection of thepanel is not likely to occur even if there is an ambient temperaturechange or a change in heat generation of the flat panel itself, and theflat panel can be supported reliably.

[0107] Since a portion of the panel supporting structure has a rod madeof a material different from that of the flat panel, the weight of theapparatus can be reduced.

What is claimed is:
 1. A panel support structure for supporting a panelfor displaying an image comprising: a holding member for holding thepanel, which astride an edge of the panel.
 2. A panel support structureaccording to claim 1, wherein a plurality of holding members areprovided which are coupled to a supporting member.
 3. A panel supportstructure according to claim 1, wherein said holding member is providedwith a damper at a position where the panel becomes or possibly becomesin contact with said holding member.
 4. A panel support structureaccording to claim 1, further comprising a supporting member coupled tosaid holding member and disposed generally along a surface of the panel.5. A panel support structure according to claim 4, wherein saidsupporting member is a rod-like member.
 6. A panel support structureaccording to claim 4, wherein said supporting member includes a rod-likemember and a plate member.
 7. A panel support structure according toclaim 5, wherein a length of said rod-like member along a longitudinaldirection is longer than a length of a longer side of the panel.
 8. Apanel support structure according to claim 4, wherein said supportingmember has rod-like members crossing each other.
 9. A panel supportstructure according to claim 5, wherein a length of a cross section ofsaid rod-like member along a thickness direction of the panel is longerthan a length of the cross section along a direction parallel to asurface of the panel.
 10. A panel support structure according to claim5, wherein a length of a cross section of said rod-like member along athickness direction of the panel is {fraction (1/80)} or longer than adiagonal line of the panel.
 11. A panel support structure according toclaim 4, wherein said supporting member is in contact with the panelonly at a portion of said supporting member or not in contact with thepanel.
 12. A panel support structure according to claim 4, wherein aheat insulating member is inserted between the panel and said supportingmember.
 13. A panel support structure according to claim 4, wherein aprotective buffer is inserted between the panel and said supportingmember.
 14. A panel support structure according to claim 1, wherein atleast a portion of the panel support structure is electrically grounded.15. A panel support structure according to claim 1, wherein the panelsupport structure has a mount portion for mounting a cover whichaccommodates at least a portion of a panel display device including thepanel and the panel support structure.
 16. A panel support structureaccording to claim 15, wherein said cover is fixed to the panel supportstructure with a screw.
 17. A panel support structure according to claim1, wherein the panel support structure has a mount portion for mountinga circuit board for controlling or driving the panel.
 18. A panelsupport structure according to claim 17, wherein said circuit board isfixed to the panel support structure with a screw.
 19. A panel supportstructure according to claim 1, wherein the panel support structure hasa mount portion for mounting an installing member for installing a paneldisplay device including the panel and the panel support structure. 20.A panel support structure according to claim 19, wherein said mountportion is provided near at an end of the panel display device.
 21. Apanel support structure according to claim 19, wherein said mountportion is provided near at a center of the panel or the center ofgravity of the panel.
 22. A panel support structure for supporting apanel for displaying an image comprising: a supporting member having arod-like member made of a material different from a material of thepanel, wherein a length of said rod-like member along a longitudinaldirection is longer than a length of a longer side of the panel.
 23. Apanel support structure according to claim 22, wherein said rod-likemember is made of metal.
 24. A panel support structure according toclaim 22, wherein said supporting member has a shape of rod-like memberscrossing each other.
 25. A panel support structure according to claim22, wherein a length of a cross section of said rod-like member along athickness direction of the panel is longer than a length of the crosssection along a direction parallel to a surface of the panel.
 26. Apanel support structure according to claim 22, wherein a length of across section of said rod-like member along a thickness direction of thepanel is {fraction (1/80)} or longer than a diagonal line of the panel.27. A panel support structure according to claim 22, wherein saidsupporting member is in contact with the panel only at a portion of saidsupporting member or not in contact with the panel.
 28. A panel supportstructure according to claim 22, wherein a heat insulating member isinserted between the panel and said supporting member.
 29. A panelsupport structure according to claim 22, wherein a protective buffer isinserted between the panel and said supporting member.
 30. A panelsupport structure according to claim 22, wherein at least a portion ofthe panel support structure is electrically grounded.
 31. A panelsupport structure according to claim 22, wherein the panel supportstructure has a mount portion for mounting a cover which accommodates atleast a portion of a panel display device including the panel and thepanel support structure.
 32. A panel support structure according toclaim 31, wherein said cover is fixed to the panel support structurewith a screw.
 33. A panel support structure according to claim 22,wherein the panel support structure has a mount portio for mounting acircuit board for controlling or driving the panel.
 34. A panel supportstructure according to claim 33, wherein said circuit board is fixed tothe panel support structure with a screw.
 35. A panel support structureaccording to claim 22, wherein the panel support structure has a mountportion for mounting an installing member for installing a panel displaydevice including the panel and the panel support structure.
 36. A panelsupport structure according to claim 35, wherein said mount portion isprovided near at an end of the panel display device.
 37. A panel supportstructure according to claim 35, wherein said mount member is providednear at a center of the panel or the center of gravity of the panel. 38.A panel support structure for supporting a panel for displaying an imagecomprising: a mount portion for mounting an installing member forinstalling a panel device including the panel and the panel supportstructure.
 39. A panel support structure for supporting a panel fordisplaying an image wherein: at least a portion of the panel supportstructure is conductive and electrically grounded.